Status hearing for Jason Vassell
Tuesday, March 2nd at 2 pm
Northampton District Court, 15 Gothic Street

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

The March 2nd hearing lasted about 10 minutes. At the hearing, Lead Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s office turned over files on 3,600 cases which fit the description of files granted to Jason’s defense in the Motion for Discovery. Upon granting discovery, Judge Judd Carhart ruled that Jason’s defense showed "a prima facie case showing that a reasonable inference could be drawn that he is the subject of selective prosecution." There was discussion about the next court hearing. The lawyers settled on a March 26th, 2010 date upon which Jason’s defense is asked to bring any further evidence found as a result of the discovery files, prior to moving forward with the Motion to Dismiss. 

Approximately 65 supporters turned out on a mild Tuesday afternoon. Continued support by community members & students, determined to demand justice despite busy work schedules, shows that this community will not stand down, nor stop watching until justice is served. Once again the court room was packed as all the benches were full and the court accommodated additional supporters by placing chairs in the middle aisle of the court room. Following the hearing supporters made their way into the center of Northampton where a large protest and street theater performance was carried out by over 30 supporters. Lined up in front of First Churches, Jason’s supporters wore signs to represent each of the months that have been taken from Jason’s life by this racist prosecution. 

Curious Northampton residents stopped to watch, asked questions and even participate in the street theater. Towards the end, supporters chanted "What do we Want? Justice! When do we want it? NOW!" among other chants. 

*NEWS COVERAGE OF MARCH 2nd HEARING*

WBZ 38– Lawyers Given Time To Study Docs

MassLive — Jason Vassell Lawyers given time to study files on 3,600 cases

CBS 3 — Video News Coverage of Pre-Trial Hearing